A clunk noise occurring when accelerating from coast or a standing start may be caused by a worn or damaged wheel drive shaft cross groove joint. The common cause of wheel drive shaft cross groove damage is the loss of lubricating grease and/or the presence of foreign material and contaminates in the joint. This usually occurs as a result of a torn or damaged cross groove joint seal boot.

Carefully inspect the wheel drive shaft cross groove seal boot for cuts, tears or other signs of damage that may allow the loss of the lubricating grease and/or the entry of contaminates. If the seals appear intact, remove the wheel drive shaft from the vehicle and inspect the cross groove joint. Rotate the cross groove joint in a circular motion. Do not allow the cross groove spider to become disengaged from the race housing, or damage to the cross groove joint will occur. The movement of the cross groove joint should be smooth and even. If any binding or impeded motion is felt, the inboard joint requires replacement.